8 Of The Best: 365Bristol's guide to the albums and EPs of the year - 2023
Posted on: 13 Dec 2023It's that time of year again when publications all over the world are compiling their end-of-year lists, and we've taken on the unenviable task of trawling through all the brilliant albums and EPs released by Bristol artists over the past year - and picking 8 of our favourites!...in no particular order.
This is by no means an exhaustive list and it could have been a lot longer, incorporating all the weird and wonderful corners of the city's burgeoning music community. So, to keep myself sane, I've cut it down to just eight. Read on for 365Bristol.com's guide to the Bristol albums and EPs of the year, 2023...
Victory Lap – BUFFEE
This debut EP from virtuoso producer-vocalist BUFFEE is the latest release on the now legendary Bristol tastemakers/label Spinny Nights. Victory Lap swings unpredictably from club-ready techno to syrupy glitch pop, with unpredictable stop-offs at straight pop and industrial noise along the way. Through a collage-like use of compression and catchy melodies, BUFFEE explores the turmoil of her teenage years; taking us on a whistle-stop tour of a deeply inventive musical mind. Key track: ‘Victory Lap’.
All Gas No Brakes – Heavy Lungs
Next up, we have the eagerly anticipated debut album from perennial Bristol noise rockers, Heavy Lungs. The band formed way back in 2017, releasing their debut EP, Abstract Thoughts, the following year so a full-length offering has been a long time coming. Chocker full of noisy riffs, ferociously powerful drums and witty pop culture references from frontman Danny Nedelko, All Gas No Brakes is a blistering ride that more than matches the band’s legendary live shows. Key track: ‘Dancing Man’.
On The Turning Ground – Tara Clerkin Trio
One of the most intriguing acts to appear from Bristol’s thriving leftfield music community in recent years, Tara Clerkin Trio have previously received widespread acclaim for their self-titled debut in 2020 and 2021’s In Spring. This year’s mini album, On The Turning Ground, is a meandering, gentle record that conflictingly incorporates influences from throughout the musical spectrum. Expect a smattering of folk, breakbeat, jazz, baroque pop and more from the vital experimental trio. Key track: ‘Marble Walls’.
P*W*R PL*Y - Grove
Here we have a Bristol artist who needs no introduction. Producer-vocalist Grove has been pulling up trees for a long time now with their dancehall meets punk anthems exploring political rage and queer pride. Incorporating hip hop, spoken word, trip-hop and earth-trembling techno, P*W*R PL*Y is yet another offering from an artist at the top of their game and, when able to call on contemporaries such as Bob Vylan and LIONSTORM, they’re just going to keep getting better. Key track: ‘BIG BOOTS’.
Before The Crash - Belishas
Another EP here, this time from a band whose most recent release marks a complete rebirth. Belishas have long been favourites on the city’s live music circuit, however, this year’s EP, Before The Crash, sees the jank pop four-piece come into their own. This five-track record features urgent, sandpaper-like guitars and driving drumbeats, urgently pushing us through a non-linear narrative of sudden change, loss and adjustment. Key track: ‘The Crash’.
Crisps – Getdown Services
Getdown Services have quickly become something of a cult sensation in Bristol and, with the release of their debut album Crisps, the apocalyptic disco duo are preparing for world domination. Complete with cynical references to Bristol’s Cabot Circus and Wapping Wharf, this is a record full of dark witty humour layered on top of dance-ready synth-pop and disco - a fun and charismatic offering from one of Bristol’s most exciting live acts. Key track: ‘Cream Of The Crop’.
The Way of All Flesh – BLED
Formerly known as DRAG, the ‘coloured in goth’ duo of singer-songwriter and producer Blue and visual artist and bassist Red unleashed their debut EP earlier this year. While maintaining their undoubtedly 80s, synth-pop sound; on The Way of All Flesh, BLED have lent further into their pop sensibilities, further utilising Blue’s bass-like vocals with backing from Red, glitchy production and a crunchy drum machine. Key track: ‘This Symmetry’.
Nacre – Quade
Our final offering, Nacre is the debut LP from one of Bristol’s most exciting projects, Quade. The culmination of three years’ work from a band that defy categorisation, it’s really hard to give a brief overview of the record. On Nacre, the four-piece have built a swirling soundscape, a meeting point between post-rock, folk and techno that is hypnotic and expansive in equal measure. Released by electronic tastemakers AD 93 (who have also supported the likes of Moin, Joanne Robertson, Overmono and Giant Swan), this is an inspired debut from a truly radical group. Key track: ‘Of The Source’.
Other brilliant records released by Bristol artists in 2023 include 63 Ondata Rossa - EP/64, Bright Lights, Dead City - Minor Conflict, TXN - Tlya X An, O Monolith - Squid and plenty more!
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Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.
